And whosoever shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me: it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.
ος γαρ αν ποτιση υμας ποτηριον υδατος εν ονοματι μου οτι χριστου εστε αμην λεγω υμιν ου μη απολεση τον μισθον αυτου
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
In this way, showing respect to one of the humble ones pleases God, whereas leading one astray is a grave sin; it would be preferable to have a heavy millstone tied around your neck. This illustrates that those who commit such acts will face the harshest consequences. The Lord has alluded to a physical torment to instill fear in us through this tangible illustration.
In that same context, He reiterates His message three times. Who could fail to feel alarmed by such a recurrence and the solemn warning of consequence, especially coming from God Himself?
After discussing the importance of self-humiliation and addressing the concerns raised by John, the Lord emphasizes the need for vigilance in ensuring that no member of His kingdom, even the least, is led into temptation. This admonition may stem from a prior dispute that involved sinful temptations for some participants. Just as every disposition, regardless of how humble, to accept a messenger sent in His name is valued by Him, so too is there a grave warning for anyone who would attempt to lead a member of His kingdom astray. Such actions are profoundly serious; they are likened to the dire consequence of having a large millstone tied around the neck of the offender and being thrown into the depths of the sea. If enduring such a fate were the only consequence, it might seem manageable.
However, woe to the world, tainted by even a hint of worldly influence, for the temptations that arise. Although temptations are inevitable, woe to the person through whom they come (Matt. 18:6-14; Mk. 9:49-50).
To contain the destructive nature of temptation, the Lord provides two key pieces of guidance: each individual must be vigilant and strict with themselves. If someone recognizes temptation stirring within, they must distance themselves from the source, regardless of the cost. For instance, if a hand or foot leads you to sin, sever it; if an eye leads to temptation, remove it. Failing to do so risks being cast into the fiery Gehenna. Admittedly, such sacrifices can be painful. Yet the Lord reassures that every sacrifice of salt will be seasoned with salt.
E. Matthew's choice to leave out John's question, which interrupted Christ's discourse, does not affect the clarity or significance of the individual statements in this teaching as presented by this Evangelist. John's question served merely to highlight the negative aspect of what Christ positively expressed. Christ instructs His apostles to welcome the vulnerable in faith with sincere love and not to turn them away with harsh rigidity. The actions of the apostles towards the discreet follower of Christ prompt a caution from Jesus, warning them about the peril of misleading those who are new to faith through such attitudes.
This admonition extends beyond this specific situation, encompassing all potential actions that could hinder the faith of believers and does not exclude those who are older. Following this, Christ advises the apostles to be wary of their own temptations. The link to the previous discourse lies in the fact that during the apostles' discussion on leadership and their encounter with the discreet follower, they faced temptations to their faith—first through misguided Messianic notions and second through a pharisaical lack of tolerance. Jesus, with deep sorrow, acknowledges that the world will face numerous temptations, a reality that persists as long as the Church battles on earth, yet He declares woe to the one through whom temptation arises. This proclamation serves as a serious warning regarding worldly enticements. The figurative language Christ employs to convey His message recalls His teachings on the mount, where He urges believers to refrain from desires, particularly carnal ones. Here, He similarly calls the apostles to curb their spiritual passions, especially feelings of ambition, animosity, and intolerance, which could lead them to mislead others and disrupt the unity and peace among believers.
Jesus' Teaching on Temptation
John resumed the discussion that had been interrupted, saying, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea," for a more severe judgment awaits him in the coming age. In referring to these little ones, Jesus indicated all who possess a pure, childlike faith in Him. However, as we consider temptations and the act of leading believers astray—creating doubts in their hearts about God's truth—and since children are particularly vulnerable to such influences from educators and others, it is common to interpret this saying of Christ primarily concerning those who mislead children.
An Example of Contemporary Temptations to Atheism
It is disheartening to recognize that in our educated society, numerous unbelievers view it as their duty to disseminate doubt. Having gained some understanding of the natural sciences and struggling to reconcile it with the teachings of Christ, often without knowledge of those teachings, they deride all outward signs of faith and belittle believers. How many have witnessed a mother urging her child to pray, positioning him before an icon and guiding him through the prayer, only to have the father react with laughter? The child hears this laughter and is left with a troubling question: who is correct? The mother, who encourages prayer to God, or the father, who ridicules those who pray? This painful uncertainty lingers in his mind until one of his elders provides guidance. However, this assistance is not always supportive of faith. Frequently, the young person hears elders speak of faith backed by the ideas of prominent scientists; they declare that no creative force was necessary to form the world, suggesting instead that matter naturally evolved into the complex world we see, with all its creatures and humanity. They assert that the world operates under the principle of survival of the fittest, where the weak must perish to allow the strong to thrive, positing that power and domination over others dictate goodness, and claiming that compassion, love, and self-sacrifice are at odds with the law of survival, among other things.
Listening to this doctrine, which modern philosophers have attempted to replace with the teachings of Christ, the young individual ultimately becomes confused, especially as secondary schooling often reinforces these same arguments more than it offers clarifications of God’s truth. The individuals who lead these little ones astray frequently do not reflect upon their actions and rarely question whether they are acting rightly when they strip away a young person’s faith in God and the purpose of life as revealed by Christ. Do they realize the harm they inflict upon a peaceful child's spirit, leaving a painful void behind? Regrettably, few of these tempters ponder such questions. Yet, if any of them has not wholly succumbed to the idol of power and the struggle for existence, if they still harbor a sense of compassion for the weak and afflicted, and occasionally heed the voice of their conscience, they must recognize the harm they inflict on these little ones by eroding their faith in God, their understanding of life’s meaning and purpose; they may inadvertently push them toward despair and the tragic notion that suicide is the sole escape from what they perceive as a meaningless existence.
If they grasp the weight of the evil they have caused, if compassion for their victims stirs within them and their conscience speaks up, they would surely agree that it would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck and be cast into the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6).
In His discussion, while holding a child in His embrace, the Saviour cautioned against the grave sin and peril of leading astray, tempting, or corrupting those who are innocent and righteous. He condemned the act of teaching evil or instilling harmful thoughts into such little ones, whose angels perpetually behold the face of the heavenly Father. The severity of His words was remarkable, as He declared that those who engage in such wickedness would face a dire fate, far worse than if they were to have a millstone tied around their neck and be cast into the depths of the sea. There is no sacrifice too great, He affirmed, if it helps to prevent temptation that could cause stumbling for oneself or others.
It is better to amputate one's right hand and enter the kingdom of heaven without it, to lose a right foot and enter the kingdom of heaven lame, or to pluck out a right eye and enter the kingdom of heaven sightless, rather than allow any member to become a source of sin, feeding the unending worm and igniting the everlasting fire. It is preferable to be drowned in this life with a millstone around one's neck than to bear the burden of moral and spiritual temptation that could lead the soul into the lake of eternal separation from God.
The discussion about the distinctions between the exalted and the humble within the kingdom of heaven continues, having been momentarily paused by the Apostle John. This theme is connected to the passages found in Mark 9:37 and Matthew 18:5-6.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 22 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS